The launch of Grayscale's Chainlink ETF attracted $41 million in net inflows in a single day. However, despite these encouraging figures, experts do not qualify it as “blockbuster”. Why such a gap between expectations and reality? Analysis of a launch that questions the future of crypto ETFs.
In brief
- Grayscale's Chainlink ETF recorded $41 million in net inflows on its first day, but without creating the expected “blockbuster” effect.
- Despite strong numbers, the launch of the Chainlink ETF remains below expectations, with limited impact on the LINK price.
- Compared to the XRP ETF, which exploded with $243 million in inflows, Chainlink's launch highlights the challenges of crypto ETFs.
The launch of Grayscale's Chainlink ETF: key figures and context
Grayscale made crypto ETF history by converting its Chainlink Trust into a spot ETF, listed on the NYSE Arca under the ticker GLNK. On day one, the fund saw $41 million in net inflows, along with a trading volume of $13 million. At closing, assets under management reached $64 million, including an initial allocation of $18 million.
The price of LINK reacted with an increase of 7 to 9.8% over the week, but remains down 39% year-on-year. This launch confirms the appetite of institutional investors for regulated crypto products, even in a sluggish market. It is part of a series of approvals of crypto ETFs by the SEC, following those of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and XRP.
A failed blockbuster? why the launch of the Chainlink ETF didn't blow up the accounts
Analysts, such as Eric Balchunas, describe the launch as ” solid “but not “blockbuster”. In comparison, the XRP ETF saw $243 million in inflows on its first day, while the Solana ETF only reached $8.2 million. The market is currently in the phase of “risk-off”limiting the impact of altcoin ETF launches.
Chainlink, although infrastructural, remains a niche asset compared to bitcoin or ethereum. Her ETF attracts institutional investors, but not yet the general public to make it a blockbuster. Despite initial inflows, LINK price failed to see a sustained rally, due to a persistent downtrend and strong technical resistance.
When the ETF explodes crypto: the emblematic case of XRP
The XRP ETF made its mark with $243 million in net inflows on its first day, a record for crypto ETFs in 2025. This success can be explained by several factors: XRP, at the heart of a historic lawsuit against the SEC, benefited from a scarcity effect and a strong community. The launch coincided with a period of renewed optimism for altcoins.
Unlike Chainlink, the XRP ETF generated a significant rise in the price of XRP, proving that certain launches can catalyze market enthusiasm. For the GLNK ETF to become a real “blockbuster”it would take a combination of several factors:
- A renewed confidence in altcoins;
- Mass adoption of Chainlink in DeFi;
- Continuous investment flows.
The launch of Grayscale's Chainlink ETF is a relative success, but not the blockbuster hoped for. He confirms the growing interest in regulated crypto products, while reminding that not all ETF launches are created equal. Chainlink will need to prove its ability to attract sustainable flows to support a recovery in the LINK price. And you, would you be ready to invest in the ETF Link?
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